Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida: Sun and Sand

July 2, 2024 Albert Jordan

Orlando isn’t just about theme parks; it’s also close to amazing beaches. These coastal beauties are a short drive from the city. They offer everything from white sands to clear waters for a perfect break from the park scene¹²³.

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Siesta Key: Powder-White Quartz Sand Paradise

On Florida’s Gulf Coast sits Siesta Keykey beach>, a favorite for beach-goers. Its Siesta Key Beachkey florida> is known for soft quartz sand. This sand stays cool, making it great even on hot Florida dayskey white sand>⁴.

Its shores stretch for miles, offering a calm break from theme parks’ crowds. The beach has clear waters and a gentle slope, perfect for a chill day⁵.

Highlights: Miles of Pristine Beaches, St. Armands Circle Entertainment District

After a beach day, head to St. Armands Circle for fun. This area has many shops and eateries. It’s a great place to enjoy your evening⁶.

Looking for a quiet or lively coastal vacation? Siesta Keykey beach> has both. This Florida islandkey florida> is a true paradisekey white sand> with its beauty and activities⁵.

Vero Beach: Sea Turtle Nesting Haven

Vero Beach is a beautiful coastal town, located just two hours from Orlando. It’s famous for its gorgeous beaches and lively sea turtle population. From May to October each year, it turns into a key spot for sea turtle nesting⁷.

In these months, over 100,000 threatened and endangered sea turtles lay their eggs on Florida’s shores⁷. Florida sees nearly 90% of all sea turtle nesting in the U.S. during this time⁷. Most of these are loggerheads, but leatherbacks and green turtles also nest here, though in fewer numbers⁷.

Vero Beach welcomes many visitors to witness this amazing natural event. Local conservation groups and state parks offer guided “turtle walks.” In these walks, people can watch the mothers laying their eggs after an educational session⁷. However, watching leatherbacks and green turtles is usually not allowed due to their endangered status⁷.

Keep in mind that seeing the turtles is not guaranteed, depending on the weather and other factors. These walks usually cost around $20 per person, and not all accept kids under eight, but some do welcome six-year-olds⁷.

Besides turtle activities, there’s much more to explore in Vero Beach⁸. The area’s Sebastian Inlet State Park is perfect for various activities like picnicking, surfing, and snorkeling. Nearby Hutchinson Island and Pepper Park in Fort Pierce also offer great beach experiences and diving opportunities⁸.

The region is full of diverse ecosystems and wildlife, making it a top pick for nature lovers and those who love eco-friendly trips.

The efforts for sea turtle conservation in Vero Beach are clear from the work of the Barrier Island Center⁹. They have noted thousands of sea turtle nests and work to protect sea turtles all year⁹. From January to August, they have removed more than 3,000 pounds of trash from the beaches, showing their commitment to the environment⁹.

Vero Beach is not just about sea turtles. It also offers stunning beaches and outdoor fun. With its beautiful scenery and green practices, it’s a great place for anyone who loves nature and cares about the planet.

best beaches near orlando florida

Orlando is famous for its theme parks. But did you know it’s also close to beautiful beaches? This makes it a great spot for a Florida trip¹⁰. Places like Vero Beach are a short drive away. They offer a peaceful break from the busy theme parks¹¹. You can enjoy both Walt Disney World and the beach. Plus, visit during sea turtle nesting season from May to October.

Proximity to Walt Disney World, Turtle Watching Season May-October

After the excitement of Orlando’s parks, the beaches nearby are perfect to relax¹¹. Cocoa Beach, just 65 miles east, is loved for its surfing and sea turtles¹². New Smyrna Beach, 71 miles northeast, is a fishing paradise. It’s also a place to see alligators, turtles, and many bird species¹².

Other great beaches near Orlando include Vero Beach, 102 miles southeast¹¹. Fort de Soto Park, on the Gulf Coast, is 100 miles west¹¹. These spots let you see Florida’s nature up close. Imagine seeing sea turtles and alligators in a peaceful beach setting after a day at the theme parks.

If you love surfing, picking shells, or just the sun, these beaches are just right¹². They’re near Walt Disney World and are perfect for watching sea turtles nest from May to October. This makes them a top choice for anyone visiting Florida.

Fort De Soto Park: Award-Winning Undeveloped Beaches

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort De Soto Park is a nature paradise. It covers 1,136 acres over five islands. This large state park is famous for its natural, unspoiled beaches. They’re some of the best in Florida and around the globe.

Fort De Soto stands out because it’s not as crowded as other beaches. It offers peace and a chance to enjoy nature. Here, the focus is on outdoor fun and new discoveries.

Bike Paths, Dog Beaches, Prime Shelling Location

The park has a lot of bike paths for visitors to explore on¹³. It’s also home to beaches where dogs can run freely and play in the sand¹³. If you like collecting seashells, this park is a must-visit spot.

Its untouched beauty and different ecosystems attract many wildlife lovers¹³. You can see birds flying in, and the park’s waters are full of life¹³. It’s perfect for a quiet day by the sea, a bike adventure, or just enjoying the natural world.

Fort De Soto Park is known for its raw beauty and lovely beaches. It’s a top pick among Florida’s best beaches¹³. This park mixes fun activities, lots of wildlife, and a peaceful vibe. That’s why it draws visitors from all over¹⁴.

Looking for a peaceful beach spot in Florida? Fort De Soto Park is a must-see¹⁵. Its vast, untouched beaches and variety of life make it a special place. Add it to your travel list for an amazing experience¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

Cocoa Beach: Surf Capital of Florida

Cocoa Beach is a top pick for surf lovers. It sits near the Kennedy Space Center Complex, offering the chance to see rocket launches from the beach¹⁶. This town is famous not just for space, but also for surfing. It’s known as the “Surf Capital of Florida” because it has great surf spots and a lively surfing scene.

Many see Cocoa Beach as a top surfing spot, giving it an 8.32 out of 10 for surfing¹⁶. You’ll find 78 places to catch a wave over almost 12 miles of shore¹⁶. The sea is usually 80 degrees, making it nice for surfing all year round, unlike many other spots on the East Coast¹⁶.

Its surf culture is buzzing, with over 3,000 surfing hashtags on Instagram¹⁶ and about 5,800 surfing searches on Google¹⁶. You can dive into surfing here by renting boards at famous places like Ron Jon Surf Shop. They rent foam boards starting at $10 for half a day. For more serious surfers, they have fiberglass boards for $20¹⁶. The School of Surf also gives lessons, starting at $50 for group ones or $65 for private sessions¹⁶.

For a place to stay, Cocoa Beach has a lot for surf fans. Places like the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront give guests direct beach access and surf lessons¹⁶. The Beach Place Guesthouses offers rentals with everything you need, including a spot to store your board¹⁶.

Cocoa Beach is truly the best for surfing with its amazing waves and surf-loving ways. It’s perfect for both experts and newcomers looking to surf. This town is a dream come true for anyone wanting to surf¹⁷.

Delray Beach: Stunning Beach and Entertainment District

Delray Beach sits in Palm Beach County, Florida, offering a perfect mix of nature and fun. It has two miles of beautiful beaches lined with palm trees. Here, people can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean’s warmth¹⁸.

The Delray Sands Resort is perfect for a deluxe stay. It has 115 rooms facing the ocean, a pool, whirlpool, and a pool just for kids¹⁸. On Atlantic Avenue, you’ll find many exciting places to eat, drink, and shop, suiting all tastes¹⁸.

Range of Accommodation Options, Lively Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach caters to all travelers. You can pick from budget hotels to cozy boutiques. After enjoying the beach, visitors can explore the nearby bars and shops¹⁸.

The Delray Beach Art Trail has over 40 art pieces, like vibrant murals¹⁸. Also, the Arts Warehouse in the Pineapple Grove Arts District is great, showcasing many art pieces and hosting studios¹⁸.

Delray Beach stands out as a top beach destination near Orlando, Florida, because of its beauty and activities¹⁹. It is ideal for those wanting to relax in the sun or enjoy a lively culture¹⁹.

Flagler Beach: Quiet Seaside Gem

Flagler Beach is a quiet spot just south of St. Augustine. Unlike more crowded areas, it offers easy beach access with parking on the side of the road. It’s perfect for family fun, with great shelling spots, places to hunt for shark teeth, and good surf for beginners²⁰.

This serene beach stretches for six miles and welcomes all for free²⁰. Even pets are allowed in specific areas. Plus, visitors with disabilities can use beach wheelchairs at no cost, thanks to the nearby Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area²⁰.

For more than the beach, Flagler Beach has a lot to offer. Water lovers can explore by boat or fish. There are also parks, a historical museum, and nature experiences at Bulow Creek for hikers and bikers²⁰. The area is also great for surfing, bird watching, and boating²⁰.

If you’re hungry or want to shop, Flagler Beach has great options. You can dine at places like High Tides at Snack Jack or Oceanside Beach Bar. And you’ll find charming shops in the downtown area. Golfers will enjoy the scenic course at Ocean Palm Golf Club²⁰. Stay options vary from campgrounds to luxury resorts, fitting different needs and budgets²⁰.

Flagler Beach is easy to reach, being close to Flagler Executive Airport and Daytona Beach Airport²⁰. Its relaxed vibe and many activities make it a true hidden gem by the Atlantic. For a peaceful beach trip in Florida, this seaside town is perfect²¹.

Ponte Vedra Beach: Golfing and Shark Tooth Hunting

Ponte Vedra Beach is a stunning place just over two hours from Orlando. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, amazing golf courses, and the fun of finding shark teeth²². CNN picked it as one of the top 22 beaches in the U.S., making it a perfect peaceful spot.

If you love golf, you’ll find heaven in Ponte Vedra Beach. It’s where you’ll find TPC Sawgrass, famous for hosting the Players Championship²². Golf lovers from all over come to play on its perfect courses.

Aside from golf, the beach’s coastline is perfect for those who love the ocean. People can look for shark teeth in the sand. These teeth can be black, brown, or even red. The best time to search is after a storm, when the waves reveal many teeth²³.

Whether you’re into golf or hunting for shark teeth, Ponte Vedra Beach has something cool for you²². Its breath-taking beaches and top-notch golf courses promise a great time. Plus, searching for ancient shark teeth is an adventure you won’t forget.

Ponte Vedra Beach is close to the historic city of St. Augustine. This adds culture and history to your beach visit²⁴. With lots to do and a great location, it stands out as a top choice near Orlando for all kinds of travelers.

Clearwater Beach: Serene Gulf Coast Getaway

Clearwater Beach sits on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. It’s known for being a calm and relaxing spot. It’s won awards, like being named one of the top 15 beaches in the world for its white sand. Travel + Leisure even called it one of Florida’s best beaches in 2021²⁵.

Water Sports, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Grouper Sandwiches

At Clearwater Beach, visitors can enjoy water sports. These include jet skiing, paddle boarding, and parasailing near the beach. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also close. It lets you learn about and help injured sea animals²⁵.

A visit to Clearwater isn’t complete without tasting the local grouper sandwich. This seafood treat is very popular. It’s a must-eat for anyone who loves seafood.

There’s more to Clearwater than just the beach. The Tampa Bay area has lots to see and do. You can go on dolphin cruises or try other water activities²⁵. Clearwater Beach has many dining places, from fancy to relaxed, beachside spots²⁵. It also offers many places to stay. You can choose places that are close to the Gulf, activities, or great dining options. Clearwater Beach is perfect for a quiet escape or a fun-filled trip by the coast.